EcoReps Executive Board

Co-Presidents

Ellen Lansing

Hi! I'm Ellen, a Junior at Columbia University studying Environmental Biology and Earth and Environmental Sciences. I am super proud to be a part of EcoReps and to have helped lead previous year's Columbia Youth Climate Summits! When I'm not studying or off in the forest doing fieldwork, I love second hand shopping, reading in hammocks, and running around New York :)

Ashley Young

Ashley Young is a third-year undergraduate at Columbia University studying sustainability. As the president of the university's largest sustainability club, EcoReps, she organized Columbia’s first sustainable fashion show to raise awareness of fashion's environmental impact while showcasing student designers. Ashley has also led Columbia's 2024 Youth Climate Summit, the first in-person summit since 2020, welcoming over 130 high school students from 13 different NYC programs. 

Committee Chairs

Living Green

Gabriella Gee

I am...

Trisha Sharan

I'm Trisha (she/her) and I am a sophomore in Columbia College studying Climate System Science with a minor in Statistics and I am very excited to be the Living Green Committee Co-Chair! I was initially drawn to the environmental field because of my long-standing love of nature (particularly anything ocean related!) and hope to work in marine science and policy in the future. Outside of research and clubs, I love to explore used bookstores in the city and go antiquing upstate!

Conscious Consumption

Julia Benheim

Hi! My name is Julia and I am from Barrington, Rhode Island. I'm a Junior at Barnard College majoring in Political Science and Human Rights and minoring in Science and Public Policy. In addition to being Co-Chair of the EcoReps Conscious Consumption Committee, I am a Democracy Fellow for ColumbiaVotes and a Student Representative on the Barnard Honor Board. I am passionate about sustainability and hope to go into climate policy after graduation. My favorite sustainability tip is swapping plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles for biodegradable bars!

Olena Teslia

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Policy & Advocacy

Liezel Strohmaier

Hi! My name is Liezel Strohmaier, I’m from Missoula, Montana, and I’m a Freshman at Barnard majoring in sustainable development with a minor in architecture. Being a cochair of the Policy and Advocacy committee I’m invested in discovering the ways that environmental stewardship can intersect with creative policy solutions. My goal is to inspire collaborative sustainability efforts not only within Columbia’s campus but also the greater New York City community. 

Krisha Patel

Hi! My name is Krisha Patel, and I’m a sophomore from New Jersey studying Neuroscience and Behavior on the pre-med track in CC. I’m passionate about sustainability because of its deep connection to public health. Outside of academics, I enjoy getting involved in initiatives that promote both community wellness and environmental responsibility! 

Communications Co-Chairs

Brandon SanchezCamacho

I'm Brandon Sanchez Camacho (he/him), a junior majoring in neuroscience at Columbia College. I’m driven by a belief that our environment and human well-being are inseparable. As an aspiring physician, I understand that the quality of our air, food systems, and overall environment plays a crucial role in shaping patient outcomes. I’m especially enthusiastic about composting because it’s a hands-on way to reduce food waste and enrich the soil. At Columbia, I dive into neurodegenerative research at CUIMC, volunteer at the CoSMO clinic, and work with KDSAP to promote kidney health in underserved communities.

Johanna Elton

Hi! I'm Johanna and I am a Freshman at Barnard College majoring in Neuroscience, with an English Minor on the Pre-Med track. I am passionate about sustainability because of the connection between pollution and our the health. As an aspiring doctor, this is something I deeply care about and hope that our work at EcoReps can help mitigate the dangerous effects of climate change. Outside of academics, I love to dance ballet and explore NYC!